NEA Awards

NEA Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence

The Oklahoma Education Association, the National Education Association and the NEA Foundation for the Improvement of Education (NFIE) all believe that every student deserves a quality education and that teaching is the single most important component of a quality education. It is appropriate, therefore, that the NEA and its foundation should recognize one of our own members for teacher excellence. In an effort “to recognize, reward and promote excellence in teaching and advocacy for the profession,” the NEA and NFIE annually present the NEA Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence to one of its members. By selecting and celebrating a national winner of this award, we honor teaching excellence, public education, and our dedicated members. Award criteria flyer, and the nominee data form(fill this form out online - it must be typed and completed by hand).

Presented by the Board of Directors of the National Education Association, the award honors a person or organization whose contribution to the betterment of American education has made a significant national impact.

NEA Human & Civil Rights Awards

The National Education Association presents a number of Human and Civil Rights Awards. Below are brief descriptions, and follow this link to find more information and nomination forms for each award.

Ellis S. Onizuka Memorial Award – Presented for leadership in resolving social problems, particularly as they relate to individuals of Asian and Pacific Islander heritage.

George I. Sanchez Memorial Award – Presented for activities in Hispanic affairs that significantly impact education and the achievement of equal opportunity for Hispanic.

Rosena J. Willis Memorial Award (Local) – Presented to the NEA local affiliate with the most improved human relations program.

Applegate-Dorros Peace and International Understanding Award – Presented for furthering the cause of international understanding: for serving as a model for youth and an inspiration in the quest for peace on earth; and for offering tangible evidence of the efforts to chart a course for world survival.

Suanne Big Crow Memorial Award – Presented to a K-12 student whose achievements in school have helped enhance all students' sense of worth and dignity.

Mary Hatwood Futrell Award – Presented for activities in the field of women's rights that have made a significant impact on education and have furthered the achievement of equal educational opportunity for women and girls.

Carter G. Woodson Memorial Award – Presented jointly to the National Education Association and the Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History (ASALH) for Leadership and creativity in promoting Black History Month, for furthering the understanding of Black Americans' heritage, and for making significant positive changes in a local community.

Award for Creative Leadership in Human Rights – Presented for activities in the field of human rights that have made a significant impact on education and have promoted appreciation for diversity with regard to socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, disability, national origin, or citizenship status.

Author-Illustrator Human and Civil Rights Award – Presented to an individual whose books promote an understanding and appreciation of human and civil rights.

Cesar Chavez Accion Y Compromiso Human and Civil Rights Award – Presented to an individual who follows in the footsteps of Cesar Chavez in philosophy, work and leadership.

Leo Reano Memorial Award – Presented to an individual whose activities have made a significant impact on education and on the achievement of equal opportunity for American Indians/Alaska Natives.